Liquid container, liquid supply device, and liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a liquid container in which deformation of a pack body can be suppressed.SOLUTION: A liquid container 6 comprises: a pack body 40 which is formed into a bag shape by jointing flexible films F1, F2, and is varied in a thickness according to a liquid residual amount; and a covering body 50 covering a part of the pack body 40, and being hardly deformed relative to the pack body 40. The pack body 40 comprises: a trunk portion 41 formed into a square cylindrical shape in a state in which the liquid is housed; a pair of sealing portions 42 sealing both axial ends of the trunk portion 41; and a spout 43 which is provided in one of the sealing portions 42, and discharges the liquid housed in the pack body 40. At least one of the pair of the sealing portions 42 is formed into a gable roof shape which comprises: a pair of flat portions 42A facing each other in the thickness direction; and a pair of gable portions 42B facing in a width direction orthogonal to both of the axial direction and the thickness direction. The covering body 50 has a pair of covering flat plates 50A covering at least a portion of the pair of the flat portions 42A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid container, a liquid supply device, and a liquid ejection device.

[0002] An ink pack for storing ink used in an inkjet printer is known (Patent Document 1). The ink pack was formed in a bag shape by a film and was detachably housed in a case of an ink storage portion. Further, the ink pack had a spout which is an ink supply port (to the inkjet head), and was able to gradually change (flatten) its thickness according to the consumption amount of the ink.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the ink pack formed of a film is easily deformed (bent, dented, etc.) by an external force, it may be housed in the case in a deformed state. In this case, in the process of flattening according to the consumption amount of the ink, there is a problem that it does not flatten at the deformed portion and ink remains in the ink pack.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid container, a liquid supply device, and a liquid ejection device capable of suppressing deformation of the pack body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The liquid container of the present invention includes a pack body and a covering body. The pack body is formed in a bag shape by joining flexible films, and its thickness changes according to the remaining amount of the liquid. The covering body covers a part of the pack body and is more difficult to deform than the pack body. The pack body includes a body portion formed in a rectangular tube shape when containing the liquid, a pair of sealing portions that seal both axial ends of the body portion, and a spout provided on one of the sealing portions for discharging the liquid contained in the pack body. At least one of the pair of sealing portions is formed in a gable roof shape having a pair of flat portions facing each other in the thickness direction and a pair of ridge portions facing each other in the width direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the thickness direction. The covering body has a pair of covering flat plates that cover the pair of flat portions.

[0007] The liquid supply device of the present invention has the liquid container according to any one of the above, and supplies the liquid contained in the liquid container to a supply destination.

[0008] The liquid ejection device of the present invention includes the liquid container according to any one of the above and a discharge head that discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid container.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, deformation of the pack body can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and D shown in the drawings indicate front, rear, left, right, up, and down. In this specification, terms indicating directions and positions are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the image forming system 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view (front view) showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and an ink supply apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2, which is an example of a liquid ejection apparatus, is an inkjet printer that ejects ink droplets to form an image on a sheet S. The ink supply apparatus 3, which is an example of a liquid supply apparatus, is disposed behind the image forming apparatus 2 and supplies ink (liquid) to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0014] [Image Forming Apparatus] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a box-shaped housing 10 in which various devices are housed. A paper feed cassette 11 for housing the sheet S is provided at the lower part of the housing 10, and a manual feed tray 12 for manually setting the sheet S is provided on the right side surface of the housing 10. Above the manual feed tray 12, a paper discharge tray 13 on which the image-formed sheets S are stacked is provided. At the upper part of the left side surface of the housing 10, a discharge port 14 for transporting the sheet S to a post-processing device (not shown) adjacent to the left side of the image forming apparatus 2 is formed.

[0015] At the central part inside the housing 10, four head units 15 for forming an image on the sheet S are arranged in the left-right direction. The four head units 15 are arranged corresponding to four colors (yellow, black, cyan, magenta) of ink. A plurality of discharge heads 15A for discharging ink are mounted on each of the head units 15. Below the head unit 15, a transport unit 16 for transporting the sheet S while adsorbing it to a transport belt 16A is provided. To the left of the transport unit 16, a drying unit 17 for drying the image-formed sheet S while transporting it is provided.

[0016] Note that, at the lower left part inside the housing 10, four ink containers 31 for storing the ink supplied to the four head units 15 (discharge heads 15A) are housed. Therefore, even without the ink supply device 3 described later, the image forming apparatus 2 can be operated alone.

[0017] On the right side inside the housing 10, there are provided a first conveyance path 21 extending from the paper feed cassette 11 to the conveyance unit 16, and a manual conveyance path 20 that merges from the manual feed tray 12 into the first conveyance path 21. On the left side inside the housing 10, there is provided a second conveyance path 22 extending from the drying unit 17 to the discharge port 14. Above the head unit 15, there are provided a third conveyance path 23 that branches off from the second conveyance path 22 and leads to the paper discharge tray 13, and a fourth conveyance path 24 that branches off from the third conveyance path 23 and merges into the first conveyance path 21. Note that at the branch point between the second conveyance path 22 and the third conveyance path 23, and at the branch point between the third conveyance path 23 and the fourth conveyance path 24, there are provided switching members for switching the conveyance path of the sheet S (not shown).

[0018] [Image forming process] Here, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. For example, when an image forming job is input to the image forming apparatus 2 from an external terminal or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming process is executed as follows.

[0019] The sheet S is taken out from the paper feed cassette 11 or the manual feed tray 12 and sent onto the conveyance belt 16A through the first conveyance path 21. The head unit 15 (discharge head 15A) discharges ink droplets onto the sheet S being conveyed while adsorbed on the conveyance belt 16A to form (print) a full-color image. The sheet S on which the image has been formed is conveyed by the drying unit 17, and during this time, the drying of the ink landing on the sheet S is promoted. When single-sided printing is executed, the singly printed sheet S is discharged to the paper discharge tray 13 through the second conveyance path 22 and the third conveyance path 23. When double-sided printing is executed, the singly printed sheet S enters the fourth conveyance path 24, is turned over front to back, and sent onto the conveyance belt 16A again. Thereafter, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet S in the same order as during the above-described single-sided printing, and the double-sided printed sheet S is discharged to the paper discharge tray 13.

[0020] [Ink supply path] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the ink supply path of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (side view) showing the ink supply path of the image forming system 1. In the present embodiment, four ink supply paths are provided corresponding to four colors of ink, but FIG. 3 shows only the ink supply path corresponding to one color of ink. Also, in the following description, one ink supply path will be described with focus.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 2 has an ink supply unit 30 for supplying ink to each head unit 15. The ink supply unit 30 has an ink container 31, a container mounting portion 32, a filter 33, a pump 34, and a sub-tank 35.

[0022] The ink container 31 is mounted on the container mounting portion 32 and stores ink for supplying to each head unit 15. The ink container 31, the filter 33, the pump 34, and the sub-tank 35 are connected by a main tube 36. The pump 34 sucks ink from the ink container 31, and the filter 33 filters the ink sucked by the pump 34. The ink sent out from the ink container 31 is stored in the sub-tank 35. The sub-tank 35 is connected to the head unit 15 (discharge head 15A) via a sub-tube (not shown). The ink stored in the sub-tank 35 is sent out to the head unit 15 by a sub-pump (not shown).

[0023] Note that a coupling 38 to which one end of a relay tube 37 is connected is provided on the back surface of the housing 10. When the ink supply device 3 is used, the upstream end of the main tube 36 is replaced with the other end of the relay tube 37 instead of the ink container 31.

[0024] [Ink Supply Device 3] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink supply device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the ink supply device 3.

[0025] The ink supply device 3 includes a housing 4, four pack mounting parts 5, four ink packs 6, and four supply tubes 7. In this embodiment, four ink packs 6 and the like are provided corresponding to four colors of ink, but only one ink pack 6 and the like are shown in FIG. 3. Further, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the description will focus on one ink pack 6 and the like.

[0026] The housing 4 has a frame 4A (see FIG. 4) formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by assembling metal columns, beams, etc., and an exterior plate 4B (see FIG. 1) that covers the side and top surfaces of the frame 4A. As shown in FIG. 4, the four pack mounting parts 5 are arranged side by side in the left - right direction at the rear inside the housing 4. The pack mounting part 5 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and is supported by the frame 4A.

[0027] The ink pack 6 is a container for storing ink. The ink pack 6 has a larger volume than the ink container 31 equipped in the image forming apparatus 2. The ink pack 6 is detachably (replaceably) mounted on the pack mounting part 5. The details of the ink pack 6 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the supply tube 7 is, for example, a stainless - steel pipe and is formed in a regularly meandering shape. One end of the supply tube 7 is connected to the upstream connection tube 7A, and the other end of the supply tube 7 is connected to the coupling 38 of the housing 10 via the downstream connection tube 7B. A suction port part 8 is attached to the terminal of the upstream connection tube 7A. The suction port part 8 is fixed to the pack mounting part 5 and is connected to the supply connection part 44 of the ink pack 6 mounted on the pack mounting part 5. The ink filled in the ink pack 6 is supplied to the ink supply path in the image forming apparatus 2 through the suction port part 8, the upstream connection tube 7A, the supply tube 7, and the downstream connection tube 7B. Note that the ink supply device 3 is provided with a heater (not shown) for heating the ink passing through the supply tube 7.

[0029] [Ink Pack] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the ink pack 6 will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the ink pack 6. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the cover 50 of the ink pack 6. FIG. 7 is a developed view showing the cover 50 of the ink pack 6.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the ink pack 6 includes a pack body 40 and a cover 50.

[0031] <Pack body> The pack body 40 is formed in a bag shape by joining flexible films F1 and F2 and contains ink (liquid). The films F1 and F2 constituting the pack body 40 are laminated films having a plurality of layers. For example, the films F1 and F2 have a four-layer structure, and a polyethylene (PE) layer, an aluminum (Al) layer, a polyamide (PA (nylon)) layer, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer are laminated in order from the inner layer to the outer layer. Note that the films F1 and F2 are not limited to the above structure, and any material that can block light, air (odor), moisture, etc. and can be bent flexibly may be used.

[0032] The pack body 40 is formed by joining a pair of upper and lower films F1 formed in a substantially rectangular shape and a pair of left and right films F2 formed in a substantially hexagonal shape along the outer peripheral edge, and is formed in a bag shape with a gusset. A joint portion 40A where the films F1 and F2 overlap and are joined is formed in a band shape along the outer peripheral edge of the pack body 40. Note that the films F1 and F2 are preferably joined by a method of heat melting and pressure bonding, but are not limited thereto, and may be joined using an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

[0033] The pack body 40 has a barrel portion 41 formed in a rectangular tube shape while containing ink, and a pair of sealing portions 42 that seal both ends in the axial direction (front-rear direction) of the barrel portion 41. The pair of sealing portions 42 are each formed in a gabled roof shape having a pair of flat portions 42A facing each other in the thickness direction (vertical direction), and a pair of ridge portions 42B facing each other in the width direction (left-right direction (the direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the thickness direction)). In a state where the pack body 40 is filled with ink up to the full level (full state), the pair of flat portions 42A are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from the barrel portion 41 in the axial direction. The pair of flat portions 42A are joined at the tip side in the axial direction to form a joint portion 40A. Also, each ridge portion 42B is formed in a substantially triangular shape that becomes narrower as it moves away from the barrel portion 41 in the axial direction. Note that in this specification, "opposite" means not only facing each other in a parallel posture, but also facing each other in an inclined posture (a non-parallel posture).

[0034] Also, in the full state, the pack body 40 is formed such that the maximum dimension W in the width direction of the flat portion 42A (or the dimension in the width direction of the barrel portion 41 may also be considered) is longer than the maximum dimension H in the thickness direction of the ridge portion 42B (or the thickness of the barrel portion 41 may also be considered).

[0035] (Spout) The pack body 40 has a spout 43 for discharging the contained ink. The spout 43 is formed, for example, of synthetic resin and in a substantially cylindrical shape. The spout 43 is attached at substantially the center in the width direction at the tip (front end) of one (front) sealing portion 42. Specifically, the spout 43 is fixed to the joint portion 40A while being sandwiched between the pair of flat portions 42A. That is, the pair of flat portions 42A are also joined to the outer peripheral surface of the spout 43.

[0036] (Supply connection part) A supply connection part 44 is attached to the tip of the spout 43. The supply connection part 44 is made of, for example, a hard synthetic resin and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction. The supply connection part 44 is formed such that the length in its width direction is shorter than the maximum dimension W in the width direction of the flat part 42A and longer than half of the maximum dimension W. Also, the supply connection part 44 is formed such that its thickness (height) is shorter than the thickness (H) of the body part 41. The spout 43 is attached at a position shifted to the right from the center in the width direction of the supply connection part 44. That is, the supply connection part 44 is disposed at a position shifted to the left of the pack body 40 (sealing part 42).

[0037] The supply connection part 44 is provided for connecting to the image forming apparatus 2 (external device). Specifically, in a state where the ink pack 6 is set in the pack mounting part 5, the supply connection part 44 is connected to the suction port part 8 (see FIG. 3). Thereby, the ink pack 6 is connected to the ink supply part 30 of the image forming apparatus 2 via a supply tube 7 or the like. Then, the ink accommodated in the ink pack 6 is supplied to the discharge head 15A (destination of supply), and the discharge head 15A can discharge the supplied ink.

[0038] <Operation of the pack> In the full state, the body part 41 forms a rectangular tube shape, and each sealing part 42 is formed in a gable roof shape. When ink is discharged from the spout 43, the pack body 40 changes its thickness according to the remaining amount of ink. That is, as the remaining amount of ink in the pack body 40 decreases, the pack body 40 gradually decreases in thickness (width in the vertical direction) and collapses. Specifically, as the ink decreases, the pair of left and right films F2 are folded inward, and the pair of upper and lower films F1 (flat part 42A) overlap each other in parallel. In this way, by the pack body 40 collapsing substantially flatly, the ink accommodated in the pack body 40 can be effectively used up without leaving any remaining ink. Also, it is possible to prevent extra air from entering the pack body 40.

[0039] <Cover> As shown in FIG. 5, the covering body 50 is provided so as to cover a part of the pack body 40. Specifically, the covering body 50 covers most of the front sealing portion 42.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the covering body 50 is formed in a gable roof shape having a pair of covering flat plates 50A arranged to face a pair of flat portions 42A, and a pair of plate-like support portions 50B arranged along (facing) a pair of ridge portions 42B connecting the pair of flat portions 42A. That is, the pair of covering flat plates 50A are inclined so as to approach each other toward the front. By each support portion 50B, the portions where the support portions 50B of the pair of covering flat plates 50A are connected are arranged at intervals. Thereby, the pair of covering flat plates 50A are arranged at a predetermined angle. Each support portion 50B is formed in a plate shape having a substantially trapezoidal shape (or fan shape) that becomes thinner toward the front, for example. By forming the support portion 50B in a plate shape, the pair of covering flat plates 50A can be made difficult to deform from a state where they are at a predetermined angle.

[0041] Also, the covering body 50 is formed such that the maximum dimension D2 in the axial direction (front-rear direction) of the support portion 50B is shorter than the maximum dimension D1 in the axial direction of the covering flat plate 50A. Further, on each covering flat plate 50A, a protruding piece portion 50A1 is formed so as to protrude toward the side (rear) of the body portion 41. Each protruding piece portion 50A1 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape that gradually becomes narrower toward the rear.

[0042] (Plate) The covering body 50 is formed by bending or joining a single plate 51 shown in FIG. 7 at appropriate positions. The plate 51 constituting the covering body 50 is made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is formed thicker than the films F1 and F2 constituting the pack body 40. That is, the plate 51 has higher rigidity than the films F1 and F2. The plate 51 is more difficult to deform than the films F1 and F2. That is, the plate 51 has a smaller amount of deformation when an external force is applied compared to the films F1 and F2 having the same planar shape.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the plate 51 has a pair of covering flat plates 50A and four flange plate portions 52.

[0044] The pair of covering flat plates 50A are connected via a first folding curve L1 at the front end portion. The pair of covering flat plates 50A are formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is line-symmetric with the first folding curve L1 as the axis of symmetry. A fitting opening 53 opens across the first folding curve L1 at the central portion in the width direction of the pair of covering flat plates 50A. A pair of convex portions 54 projecting toward the inside of the fitting opening 53 are formed on the pair of covering flat plates 50A. For this reason, the fitting opening 53 is formed in a substantially H shape. Further, a pair of side openings 55 are formed on the pair of covering flat plates 50A so as to be recessed from both sides in the width direction (left and right direction) toward the center. Each side opening 55 is notched in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0045] The four flange plate portions 52 are connected via a second folding curve L2 to both ends in the width direction of the pair of covering flat plates 50A. The four flange plate portions 52 are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape (substantially fan shape) that gradually narrows toward the side of the first folding curve L1.

[0046] Note that the first and second folding curves L1 and L2 are perforations formed by cutting a plurality of cuts at predetermined intervals and are formed for folding the plate 51. The first and second folding curves L1 and L2 are not limited to perforations and may be lines weakened so that the plate 51 can be folded. Also, although not shown, a label printed with information such as information regarding ink, etc. is affixed to the surface of the plate 51. Note that various information may be directly printed on the surface of the plate 51.

[0047] <Assembly of the Covering Body> Next, the procedure for assembling the covering body 50 will be described. Here, as an example, the case where an operator manually assembles the covering body 50 will be described.

[0048] The operator folds a pair of covering flat plates 50A along the first folding curve L1, and makes the back surfaces face each other at a predetermined angle. Next, the operator bends a pair of gable plate portions 52 connected to one of the covering flat plates 50A substantially at a right angle toward the other covering flat plate 50A along the second folding curve L2. Then, the operator bends a pair of gable plate portions 52 connected to the other covering flat plate 50A substantially at a right angle toward the one covering flat plate 50A along the second folding curve L2 and joins them to the previously bent gable plate portions 52. The support portion 50B is formed by the overlapping and joining of the two gable plate portions 52. Note that the gable plate portions 52 may be joined by a method of heating and melting them and then crimping, or may be joined using an adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0049] As described above, the gable roof-shaped covering 50 is assembled (see Fig. 6). A fitting opening 53 is open at the front end portion (near the first folding curve L1) of the pair of covering flat plates 50A, and the pair of convex portions 54 project forward from the edge of the fitting opening 53. Also, a pair of side openings 55 are open at both corner portions in the width direction of the covering 50.

[0050] <Attachment of the Covering> Next, the procedure for attaching the covering 50 to the pack body 40 will be described. Here, as an example, the case where the operator manually attaches the covering 50 will be described. Note that when attaching the covering 50 to the pack body 40, it is assumed to be before attaching the supply connection portion 44 to the spout 43. Also, it is assumed that the pack body 40 is filled with ink in a full state and the spout 43 is sealed.

[0051] The operator covers the covering body 50 over the sealing portion 42 of the pack body 40 from the front. As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of covering flat plates 50A are arranged so as to overlap on the pair of flat portions 42A of the sealing portion 42, and the pair of support portions 50B are arranged so as to face each other on the pair of ridge portions 42B of the sealing portion 42. Further, the spout 43 penetrates through the fitting opening 53 of the covering body 50 relatively and is exposed to the outside. A pair of convex portions 54 protruding forward from the edge of the fitting opening 53 sandwich the spout 43 passing through the fitting opening 53 from both the upper and lower sides. In other words, the spout 43 fits into the fitting opening 53 of the covering body 50. Further in other words, the covering body 50 is connected to the spout 43 (the base end portion thereof). Note that both corner portions of the front end portion of the sealing portion 42 are exposed to the outside from the pair of side openings 55 of the covering body 50.

[0052] Thus, the covering body 50 is attached to the pack body 40. Note that after the operator attaches the covering body 50 to the pack body 40, the operator attaches the supply connection portion 44 to the spout 43.

[0053] <Mounting of Ink Pack and Action of Covering Body> The operator opens a part (top plate) of the exterior plate 4B of the ink supply device 3, mounts the ink pack 6 on the pack mounting portion 5, and connects the supply connection portion 44 of the ink pack 6 to the suction port portion 8. Thereby, the ink stored in the ink pack 6 is supplied to the discharge head 15A (supply destination) of the image forming apparatus 2. As the consumption of the ink progresses, the remaining amount of the ink in the pack body 40 decreases, and the pack body 40 gradually collapses so as to become flat.

[0054] Incidentally, since the pack body 40 of the ink pack 6 is composed of flexible films F1 and F2, even when it is in a full state, it can be flexibly deformed (bent, dented, etc.) by an externally applied force (external force). If the covering body 50 is not present and only the pack body 40 is attached to the pack attachment portion 5, a user who transports, attaches (replaces) the pack body 40 may deform the pack body 40, and the pack body 40 may be attached to the pack attachment portion 5 while being deformed. In this case, even if the remaining amount of ink decreases, the pack body 40 cannot be flattened at the deformed portion. As a specific example, when the sealing portion 42 formed in a gable roof shape is deformed, the sealing portion 42 cannot be flattened, so the body portion 41 is also crushed in a distorted shape and does not become flat. Thus, if the pack body 40 cannot be flattened, there arises a problem that the ink in the pack body 40 is not discharged from the spout 43 and remains in the pack body 40.

[0055] In response to the above problems, in the ink pack 6 (liquid container) according to the present embodiment, the covering body 50 is covered on the sealing portion 42 formed in a gable roof shape of the pack main body 40. Since the covering body 50 has higher rigidity and is less likely to be distorted (less likely to be deformed than the pack main body 40) than the films F1 and F2, it is difficult for the flat portion 42A of the pack main body 40 to change from a flat state to a distorted shape. According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to suppress deformation of the pack main body 40 caused by the user pressing or grasping the sealing portion 42 during transportation or attachment (replacement). As a result, since it is suppressed that the pack main body 40 is attached to the pack attachment portion 5 in a deformed state, it becomes possible to thinly crush the pack main body 40 according to the remaining amount (consumption amount) of ink. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively use up the ink in the pack main body 40, and the ink remaining in the pack main body 40 can be reduced. When the covering body 50 has a configuration in which a pair of covering flat plates 50A are connected by a pair of support portions 50B, the covering body 50 is not only difficult to deform itself in the covering flat plate 50A, but also the whole covering body 50 is difficult to deform with the pair of covering flat plates 50A at a predetermined angle. As a result, the covering body 50 can maintain its shape regardless of the remaining amount of ink compared to the pack main body 40. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively use up the ink in the pack main body 40, and the ink remaining in the pack main body 40 can be reduced. If the support portion 50B is formed in a plate shape, the whole covering body 50 becomes even more difficult to deform.

[0056] Here, if the covering 50 (covering flat plate 50A, support portion 50B) is connected (fixed) to the flat portion 42A or the gable portion 42B of the sealing portion 42, the pack body 40 cannot be flattened even when the remaining amount of ink decreases. On the other hand, according to the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, since the covering 50 is connected to the spout 43, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the pack body 40 according to the remaining amount of ink from being inhibited. Further, the sealing portion 42 can be kept in a gable roof shape from the full state of the ink to a state where the remaining amount is about half, and then the pack body 40 can be flattened thinly as the remaining amount of ink decreases. Furthermore, for example, even if the user grasps the covering 50 and carries the ink pack 6, since the covering 50 is connected to the spout 43 and does not interfere with the pack body 40, it is possible to make it difficult for the pack body 40 to be deformed.

[0057] Also, information regarding the ink or the ink pack 6 is displayed on a label pasted on the surface of the plate 51. If the label is pasted on the pack body 40, since the deformability of that portion is different from that of the other portions, when the remaining amount of ink decreases, the possibility that the pack body 40 takes a distorted shape increases. When pasting a label on the pack body 40, by making the length of the longest part of the label 1 / 2 or less, and further 1 / 3 or less, with respect to the shortest width of the surface on which the label is pasted, such a possibility can be reduced. If the label is not pasted on the pack body 40, such a possibility can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, the label may be pasted in a distorted manner with respect to the surface on which the label is pasted. When pasted in such a way, the pack body 40 takes a distorted shape. Such distortion makes the distortion when the remaining amount of ink decreases even greater. From this point of view as well, as described above, the label pasted on the pack body 40 should be made small, or more preferably, no label should be pasted on the pack body 40.

[0059] Although it is conceivable to print information on the pack body 40, doing so would complicate the process of manufacturing the ink pack 6 filled with ink and its management for the reasons described later. The type of ink is displayed on the ink pack 6, but it is necessary to change the language of the display depending on the region where it is shipped. Also, depending on the country or region where it is shipped, displays in accordance with laws and the like are also required, so there are many types of information to be displayed on the ink pack 6 even when the same ink is filled. When printing on the pack body 40, it is usually done in a sheet state which is the shape of the pack body 40 before being processed into a bag shape. That is, when printing on the pack body 40, it is necessary to prepare a number of types of pack bodies 40 printed with different information and fill them with ink according to the information. If done so, the process and its management will become complicated and the inventory of the pack bodies 40 to be prepared will also increase.

[0060] By the way, for example, when the ink pack 6 is dropped on the floor, the pack body 40 may be greatly deformed by the impact of hitting the floor, and thus the supply connection portion 44 may move relatively toward the pack body 40 side. If there is no covering body 50, the supply connection portion 44 may directly hit the sealing portion 42 and damage the sealing portion 42 (pack body 40), and ink may leak out. On the other hand, according to the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, since the covering body 50 covers the sealing portion 42 of the pack body 40, the supply connection portion 44 is prevented from directly hitting the pack body 40. Thereby, the pack body 40 can be protected. Note that the covering body 50 of the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment covers the range where the supply connection portion 44 hits (interferes with) the pack body 40 (sealing portion 42) when the pack body 40 is greatly deformed by an impact or the like and the supply connection portion 44 moves relatively.

[0061] When the user carries the ink pack 6, it is desirable to hold the entire ink pack 6. Carrying it in this way makes it less likely for the pack body 40 to be distorted during transportation and reduces the possibility of the distortion remaining when it is attached to the ink supply device 3. However, depending on the user, it is conceivable to carry it by grasping the covering body 50. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 5, if the support portion 50B is plate-shaped, the entire covering body 50 is less likely to deform, so the possibility of the pack body 40 being attached in a distorted state can be reduced. Further, the plate-shaped support portion 50B covers at least a part of the flange portion 42B. The range in which the support portion 50B covers the flange portion 42B may be 1 / 10 or more, further 1 / 5 or more, particularly 1 / 3 or more of the area of the flange portion 42B. In such a case, the above-described deformation of the pack body 40 can be made less likely to occur.

[0062] Furthermore, considering the shapes of the sealing portion 42 of the pack body 40 and the covering body 50 and their connection positions, the distance (D3) from the connection portion (for example, the foremost end) of the covering body 50 to the free end (the rearmost end) of the support portion 50B is longer than the maximum dimension D1 in the axial direction of the covering flat plate 50A. Therefore, if the user carries the ink pack 6 by grasping the support portion 50B of the covering body 50 rather than by grasping the covering flat plate 50A of the covering body 50, the deformation of the pack body 40 becomes larger. Therefore, according to the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, by forming the support portion 50B shorter than the covering flat plate 50A, the deformation of the pack body 40 when carried by grasping the support portion 50B can be reduced.

[0063] Further, according to the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, since the protruding piece portion 50A1 is formed to protrude toward the body portion 41, the user can easily hook a finger or the like on the protruding piece portion 50A1 and carry it. Also, by forming the protruding piece portion 50A1, the area of the covering flat plate 50A can be enlarged, and for example, a label or the like can be easily attached.

[0064] Note that in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the covering body 50 is fitted and connected to the spout 43, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the covering body 50 may be fixed to the spout 43 with an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, for example, the covering body 50 may be hooked and connected to the spout 43 with a hook (not shown). Further, for example, the covering body 50 may be connected to the joint portion 40A of the pair of flat portions 42A which is the front end portion of the sealing portion 42. In this case, the covering body 50 may be connected by sandwiching the joint portion 40A with the pair of covering flat plates 50A, or the covering flat plates 50A may be adhered to the joint portion 40A with an adhesive or the like. According to this configuration, since the covering body 50 is connected to the joint portion 40A at the tip of the pack body 40, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the pack body 40 according to the remaining amount of ink, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0065] Also, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the covering body 50 covers the front sealing portion 42, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one covering body 50 may cover the rear sealing portion 42, or two covering bodies 50 may cover both the front and rear sealing portions 42 (both not shown).

[0066] Also, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the plate 51 of the covering body 50 is formed thicker than the films F1 and F2 of the pack body 40, so that the covering body 50 is configured to be difficult to be distorted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the covering body 50 (plate 51) may be formed of a material harder than the films F1 and F2.

[0067] Also, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the two gable plate portions 52 of the covering body 50 are overlapped and adhered, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, grooves that engage with each other may be provided in the two gable plate portions 52, and the two gable plate portions 52 may be connected by engaging the grooves with each other (not shown).

[0068] In addition, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the covering 50 is formed by bending a single plate 51 or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, similar to the pack body 40, a gable roof-shaped covering may be formed by joining plates divided into a plurality (not shown). In this case, two ridge plates 52 are sufficient.

[0069] In addition, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, a pair of side openings 55 are open in the covering 50, but the pair of side openings 55 may be omitted (not shown).

[0070] In addition, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the covering 50 includes a pair of covering flat plates 50A and a pair of support portions 50B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of support portions 50B may be omitted, and the covering 50 may be composed of only the pair of covering flat plates 50A (not shown).

[0071] In addition, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the support portion 50B is formed in a plate shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 8, it may be rod-shaped (or belt-shaped). In addition, the support portion 50B may be prismatic or cylindrical. As one support portion 50B, a plurality of prisms or cylinders may be arranged, or a structure in which a plurality of prisms or cylinders are connected to each other may be used (not shown). Further, the support portion 50B may be a mesh-shaped plate with holes (not shown). Also, the covering flat plate 50A may be mesh-shaped (not shown). In that case, the size of the holes may be reduced so that the corners of the supply connection portion 44 do not abut against the pack body 40 (sealing portion 42).

[0072] In addition, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the pair of sealing portions 42 of the pack body 40 are formed in a gable roof shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sealing portion 42 that seals one end face of the body portion 41 may be formed in a gable roof shape, and the sealing portion (not shown) that seals the other end face of the body portion 41 may be formed in a single wall shape. That is, at least one of the pair of sealing portions 42 may be formed in a gable roof shape. In this case, the covering 50 may cover the gable roof-shaped sealing portion 42.

[0073] Also, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the spout 43 was provided at the tip of the sealing portion 42, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the spout 43 may be provided on the body portion 41 of the pack body 40 (not shown). In this case, the fitting opening 53 of the covering body 50 is omitted.

[0074] Also, in the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment, the supply connection portion 44 was connected to the spout 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the spout 43 is directly connected to the suction port portion 8, the supply connection portion 44 may be omitted (not shown).

[0075] Also, the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment contains ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may contain a liquid such as a cleaning liquid used for cleaning the discharge head 15A or a storage liquid used for storing the discharge head 15A. Also, the supply destination of the cleaning liquid may be, for example, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the discharge head 15A.

[0076] Also, the ink pack 6 according to the present embodiment was mounted on the ink supply device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ink supply device 3 may be omitted, and the ink pack 6 may be configured to be mounted on the ink supply unit 30 (container mounting unit 32) of the image forming device 2.

[0077] Also, the image forming device 2 according to the present embodiment was a color printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a monochrome printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or the like.

[0078] Note that the description of the above embodiment shows one aspect in the liquid container, liquid supply device, and liquid discharge device according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention may be variously changed, replaced, and modified without departing from the gist of the technical idea, and the claims include all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 2 Image forming apparatus (liquid ejection apparatus) 3 Ink supply apparatus (liquid supply apparatus) 6 Ink pack (liquid container) 15A Ejection head 40 Pack body 40A Joint portion 41 Barrel portion 42 Sealing portion 42A Flat portion 42B Flange portion 43 Spout 44 Supply connection portion 50 Coating 50A Coating flat plate 50A1 Protruding piece portion 50B Support portion F1, F2 Films

Claims

1. A liquid container comprising: a pack body formed in a bag shape by joining flexible films and having a thickness that changes according to the remaining amount of the liquid; a covering that covers a part of the pack body and is more difficult to deform than the pack body; The pack body includes: a body portion formed in a rectangular tube shape when containing the liquid; a pair of sealing portions that seal both axial ends of the body portion; a spout provided at one of the sealing portions for discharging the liquid contained in the pack body; at least one of the pair of sealing portions is formed in a gable roof shape having a pair of flat portions facing in the thickness direction and a pair of ridge portions facing in the width direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the thickness direction; The covering has a pair of covering flat plates that cover at least a part of the pair of flat portions; The covering has a pair of support portions that connect the pair of covering flat plates and are arranged along the pair of ridge portions.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of support portions has a trapezoidal shape with a width that narrows toward the axial end.

3. The liquid container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of flat portions of the sealing portion are joined at the axial tip side to form a joint portion, and the covering is connected to the joint portion.

4. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of flat portions of the sealing portion are joined at the axial tip side to form a joint portion, the spout is fixed to the joint portion while being sandwiched between the pair of flat portions, and the covering is connected to the spout.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the pack body has a supply connection portion attached to the spout for connection to an external device.

6. A liquid container comprising: a pack body formed in a bag shape by joining flexible films and having a thickness that changes according to the remaining amount of the liquid; a covering that covers a part of the pack body and is more difficult to deform than the pack body; The pack body includes: a body portion formed in a rectangular tube shape when containing the liquid; a pair of sealing portions that seal both axial ends of the body portion; a spout provided at one of the sealing portions for discharging the liquid contained in the pack body; at least one of the pair of sealing portions is formed in a gable roof shape having a pair of flat portions facing in the thickness direction and a pair of ridge portions facing in the width direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the thickness direction; The covering has a pair of covering flat plates that cover at least a part of the pair of flat portions. The pair of flat portions of the sealing portion are joined at the tip side in the axial direction to form a joint portion. The spout is fixed to the joint portion while being sandwiched between the pair of flat portions. The covering is connected to the spout. The pack body is formed such that the maximum dimension in the width direction of the flat portion is longer than the maximum dimension in the thickness direction of the gable portion. The covering has a pair of plate-shaped support portions that connect the pair of covering flat plates and are arranged along the pair of gable portions.

7. A liquid container according to claim 6, wherein the covering is formed such that the maximum dimension in the axial direction of the support portion is shorter than the maximum dimension in the axial direction of the covering flat plate.

8. A liquid container according to claim 7, wherein a protruding piece portion is formed on the covering flat plate so as to protrude toward the side of the body portion.

9. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the covering is formed of a single resin plate.

10. A liquid container, comprising a pack body formed in a bag shape by joining a flexible film and changing its thickness according to the remaining amount of the liquid, and a covering that covers a part of the pack body and is more difficult to deform than the pack body. The pack body, has a body portion formed in a rectangular tube shape in a state of containing the liquid, a pair of sealing portions that seal both ends in the axial direction of the body portion, and a spout provided on one of the sealing portions for discharging the liquid contained in the pack body. At least one of the pair of sealing portions is formed in a gable roof shape having a pair of flat portions facing each other in the thickness direction and a pair of gable portions facing each other in the width direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the thickness direction. The covering has a pair of covering flat plates that cover at least a part of the pair of flat portions. Information about the liquid or the liquid container is displayed on the covering.

11. A liquid supply device, to which a liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is attached, and supplies the liquid contained in the liquid container to a supply destination.

12. A liquid ejection device, comprising a liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a discharge head that discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid container.

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